Courtney's call for Help: A student's fight against financial barriers

A third-year student at Stellenbosch University is seeking support after a funding dispute threatens to prevent her from receiving her official graduation documents.

Courtney Du Plessis, 21, who has spent the past three years pursuing her degree, described her financial struggles - in which she owes the University over R100 000 in study fees.

“My name is Courtney and I am a 3rd-year student at Stellenbosch University. I usually share the positive moments, the achievements, and the good days. But I’ve reached a point where I feel it’s time to be honest about my struggles too,” she said.

Du Plessis began university in 2023 with bursary funding intended to support her education.

While her parents covered costs in her first year, she was approved again for the same bursary in her second year.

However, in 2025, she was informed that she had never been fully funded and now owes the university amounts paid on her behalf in 2024, as well as her full 2025 fees.

“I do admit that I was sceptical when I received an email requesting my parents Sars documents …you hear of all these scams and when NSFAS did not get back to me to confirm it was a requirement from them, nor did the University inform me, I did not send the documentation.”

Du Plessis then learnt that it was NSFAS and was told by the University about her student debt.

“I’ve worked hard to reach this point, and I have just received communication I will be able to attend my graduation ceremony, but I will not receive my official graduation documents or be able to register for my Postgraduate Certificate in Education, which I’ve already been accepted for, unless my fees are settled,” Du Plessis said.

She has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds to cover her outstanding fees, urging supporters to donate or share her campaign online.

Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for Stellenbosch University, explained the broader financial context.

“Stellenbosch University is committed to sound financial management to ensure the maintenance of a high-quality academic programme on a sustainable basis. The University remains focused on working on systemic and sustainable solutions with the higher education sector to ensure financial sustainability and access to higher education for our students,” he said.

Viljoen added that the University remains in close contact with student leaders regarding funding issues and operates a student debt working group to assist students on a case-by-case basis.

“Via its Development and Alumni Relations Division, the University continuously works to raise funds to assist students with funding towards their studies,” he said.

Regarding Ms Du Plessis’ case specifically, Viljoen noted that confidentiality prevents comment on personal circumstances.

However, he explained that NSFAS conducts annual reviews of students’ financial eligibility using credit bureau data and SARS records.

“In this process, it was determined that some students’ household income exceeds the eligibility threshold of R350,000 per annum for 2024. Although initially funded, their funding was subsequently placed on hold. NSFAS allows students to submit ITA34 forms to demonstrate income eligibility,” Viljoen said.

On certification and outstanding balances, Viljoen clarified: “The University cannot release a graduation certificate if the student’s account is not settled. However, if the funding outcome is still pending at the time of graduation, the University can issue a letter of completion confirming the degree.”

Du Plessis hopes that sharing her story will encourage others facing similar challenges to speak up.

“Speaking about this was not easy for me, but I hope that by doing so, I can remind others who are struggling that they are not alone. Asking for help is sometimes the bravest thing we can do,” she said.

Anyone waiting to help Du Plessis can visit her back–a-buddy page on: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-me-graduate~76

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